The 'Face Petroglyph' Revealed by Drought in the Amazon

Estimated Artifact from About 2000 Years Ago
Petroglyphs of Human Faces Expressing Various Emotions

Due to an extreme drought not seen in about a century, petroglyphs presumed to be ancient artifacts have been discovered in the Amazon River basin, where the riverbed has been exposed. These carvings are estimated to have been made around 2,000 years ago.

On the 24th (local time), according to local foreign media including Brazil, the Amazon River's water level dropped to its lowest in 121 years due to a record-breaking drought. As a result, the riverbed was revealed.

Ancient Petroglyphs Revealed on the Amazon Riverbed
[Image Source=Yonhap News]

On the riverbed, a large number of ancient relics believed to have been created about 2,000 years ago were found. These relics are petroglyphs of faces carved into stone, depicting various human expressions such as faces with wide smiles and stern faces.

These rocks were discovered in the northern basin where the Negro River and Solim?es River, tributaries forming the Amazon River, meet. Brazilian authorities initially identified these rocks in 2010, but at that time, the high water level made research difficult.

Local researchers expect that this discovery will allow for a deeper understanding of the lifestyle, culture, and customs of the people who lived in the ancient Amazon rainforest.

However, due to the sudden exposure of the rocks caused by the severe drought, there is also a risk that the petroglyphs could be rapidly damaged.

Meanwhile, the Amazon River basin has suffered from severe drought this year. According to Brazil’s online water level information system, the water level of the Negro River dropped significantly to 13.59 meters from 17.60 meters last year, marking the lowest level since 1902.

As the river dries and water temperatures rise, the ecosystem is also being affected, with about 100 endangered Amazon river dolphins dying.

Additionally, tens of thousands of local residents who relied on the river as a transportation route for essential goods and drinking water are facing difficulties due to the drought.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.